Jana Kramer is determined to stop domestic violence and she’s doing something about it (source: CMT.com)

Country star Jana Kramer is opening up about her past involving domestic violence. She is seeking to help other women in similar situations like the one she was in.

Ten years ago, Kramer was in an abusive relationship that she was desperate to get out of.

“It was the worst time of my life,” she explains. “He went to jail for attempted murder on me. It’s been a very heavy secret to hold for so many years. The situation 10 years ago broke me. It took having Jolie to piece together every single broken part of me.”

In light of that, Kramer is encouraging other stars to paint their nails purple as a part of the #PutTheNailInIt campaign.

Kramer started things off by posting a photo Instagram with her left ring finger painted purple.

“[One] in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime and more than 3 million children witness it at home in the U.S.,” she said on Instagram. “I am a survivor, myself. As a mother, I think of my own daughter—I want my daughter to know that no man should ever put their hands on her. This is why I am joining @safehorizon in painting my left ring fingernail purple to signify my vow against domestic violence.”

Kramer’s first husband Michael Gambino verbally and physically abused her. At one point in 2005, he choked her unconscious.

Fortunately, Gambino was sentenced to six years in prison. He later committed suicide.

“I felt bad because my first feeling was relief that he was gone, that I didn’t have to worry about him anymore,” she told ABC News.

Among the other people she asked to join the movement were Kelly Pickler and Carrie Underwood. The latter posted her support on Instagram, saying, “Hey @kramergirl it took me a couple of days to get my nails done, but I’m happy to join in the #PutTheNailInIt movement to help bring awareness to domestic violence. Thanks for helping so many women by sharing your story.”